Shifa and Rifa separated in 10-hour surgery by 80 doctors

Conjoined twin sisters Shifa and Rifa, who were joined at the chest and abdomen, have been successfully separated after a 10-hour surgery involving 80 doctors. Dhaka Medical College Hospital made the announcement at a press conference on Monday.

Fifteen-month-old Shifa and Rifa, daughters of Badsha and Mahmuda from Betagi Upazila in Barguna, have an older sister aged six. Badsha works at a garment factory in Dhaka's Borobag area, staying in a rented house.

Professor Dr Sahanur Islam, from the Paediatric Surgery Department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, informed that the operation to separate Shifa and Rifa was conducted on 7th September. A team of 80 doctors from different departments worked for 10 hours to complete the surgery.

Dr Sahanur said, “On 14th June this year, Mahmuda contacted us regarding the twins. They were admitted to the hospital on 21st June for tests, and based on the medical board's decision, they were asked to return a month later for further treatment.”

He added, “After separating them on 7th September, both sisters were placed on ventilators in the ICU. Rifa was taken off the ventilator on 8th September, and Shifa followed on 9th September. While Rifa recovered completely, Shifa developed complications with her heart, which required further treatment at the Heart Foundation. Later, Shifa had to undergo another surgery due to a bile duct complication and is currently in the ICU.”

The costs of Shifa and Rifa’s treatment were covered by the Social Welfare Department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Akij Group, National Heart Foundation, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), and BIRDEM’s Transfusion Medicine Department, along with contributions from an anonymous teacher and their family.

Dr Sahanur further stated, “Sometimes, it is impossible to save both conjoined twins during such complex surgeries, and in some cases, only one survives.”

During the press briefing, Brigadier General Md Asaduzzaman, Director of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, remarked, “This surgery was a significant challenge.”

Shifa and Rifa's father, Badsha, said, "When they were in the womb, doctors told us we would have twins, but we only discovered at birth that they were conjoined."